Mastercard launches Biometric Checkout Programme in Uruguay with Tienda Inglesa Red Expres store now live

Mastercard has announced the expansion of its global Biometric Checkout Programme in Latin America (LAC).

With partners Ingenico, Fulcrum Biometrics, Fujitsu Frontech, and Scanntech, it has launched an in-store biometric payment experience at Tienda Inglesa’s Red Expres in Uruguay.

This is the first Biometric Checkout Programme pilot that allows shoppers to pay with their palms and the second pilot in the LAC region. 

Red Expres shoppers can register their information, payment credentials and biometric on-site and  pay for their goods by placing their hand over a sensor at the payment terminal. The programme allows for faster payment and shorter lines at checkout, and integrates with loyalty programmes.

“We are excited to expand our Biometric Checkout Programme further into Latin America with the launch of our pilot programme at Red Expres,” says Federico Cofman, Cluster Lead for Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, Mastercard. 

“Consumers are looking for more choice in how they pay, and thanks to our collaborative innovation, we can deliver more seamless, secure payment experiences.” 

“Palm is one of the most secure biometrics for identifying customers and enabling a smooth and seamless payment experience. It is faster than traditional chip and pin and offers several tangible advantages, including unmatched security,” says Arnaud Dubreuil, Director of Innovation, Ingenico.

“We are seeing a lot of interest from merchants in the solution that we have developed with Fulcrum Biometrics. Through the Mastercard Programme, these global partnerships are set to transform payment experiences for more consumers.”

“We believe that biometrics will create an easier and more secure environment for everyone around the world, in our ever expanding digital society,” says Takahiro Matsumura, Corporate Vice President of Fujitsu Frontech Limited and Global Head at PalmSecure Business.

“I'm very happy to see our PalmSecure and Fulcrum Biometrics technology shaping Ingenico’s next generation of payment solutions through the Mastercard BCO programme.”

"We are proud to be the first in Latin America to offer palm payments within Mastercard’s Biometric Checkout Programme using cutting-edge technology,”  says Juan Manuel Parada, General Director at Tienda Inglesa Group. 

“Innovation is in our DNA, and we always seek to provide our customers with the most practical and adapted ways to make their purchases with the utmost convenience.”

Verónica Bustamante, General Manager at Scanntech, says: "Due to its high level of precision in identifying individuals, palm vein technology helps merchants reduce identity theft and payment card fraud, which cause significant losses. In this way, we continue to bring innovative solutions according to our customers' needs, helping them grow their business.”